You may know yoga as an old practice focusing on breath and poses, but did you know it can also be used to improve your posture? Poor posture is a common cause of neck and back pain. This is especially true if you are constantly slouching. Luckily, yoga can help strengthen the core muscles and lengthen the spine, allowing for improved alignment and reduction in discomfort. Simply put, yoga can definitely relieve back pain and improve your posture. Here are four simple yoga poses to help you achieve perfect posture.
Shoulder Opener
This pose helps open up the chest and shoulders while also strengthening your core. To do this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart and stretch both arms above your head. Make sure that your palms are facing one another. Take a few deep breaths, feeling the stretch in your arms and chest as you inhale. Exhale, and relax your shoulders. Hold this for about 10 breaths. The best part about this pose is that it can be done anywhere and anytime,
Cat-Cow Stretch
Another pose that you should definitely try is the cat-cow pose. This pose helps to stretch the spine and neck while also strengthening the abdominal muscles. To do this pose, start on all fours with your hands below your shoulders and knees below your hips. On an inhale, arch your spine, gazing up at the top. While exhaling, round your spine and make your chin touches your chest. Continue this motion for 10 breaths. See how the spine lengthens and strengthens with each inhales.
Plank Pose
Like the shoulder opener pose, the plank pose works great for strengthening your core. To do this pose, start on all fours with your hands below your shoulders and knees below your hips. Step back into a plank position, making sure that both feet are hip-width apart and the spine is in neutral alignment. Make sure to keep the abdomen tight and hold this position for 30 seconds to a minute. You’ll feel the core muscles strengthening with each second.
Eagle Pose
Though the name is a bit intimidating, the eagle pose is actually a gentle yoga pose. It’s great for opening up the chest, shoulders, and neck while improving posture. To do this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms bent at shoulder height. Cross one arm over the other so that the palms are touching. Raise your elbows, and press the palms together firmly. Take a few deep breaths, feeling the stretch in your arms and chest. Hold for about 10 breaths.
Yoga poses can be an effective way to improve posture and relieve back pain. These simple four poses are easy enough for anyone to do at home or work. Try them out today and see how your posture and back feel better. You’ll love how your posture goes from yoga to yoga.…
